National Archives

Every time I go into D.C. I find myself in the movies.  D.C. is the backdrop to so many movies and T.V. show your almost guaranteed to find yourself on the set of a movie you know.  Our second stop of the D.C. day with my parents took us to the set of National Treasure.  Okay not really but we were in the National Archives which is featured in the show.  Even if you have never seen the movie I'm sure most people know that the Declaration of Independence is on display in the Archives, making it a popular D.C. stop.

Having previously been to the Archives and having Callen in the stroller (getting up to see the Declaration of Independence there are 3 or so stares making it not very stroller friendly), I viewed the Maga Carta while my parents at the Declaration and Other documents. The Maga Carta is a facinating peace of history in which the Declaration is based on (I think, I'm a biologist not a history major). In addition to the Declaration and Maga Carta there is also a gallery which has an exhibit on Discovering the Civil War: Consequences.  This exhibit does a good job of showing how the Archives are used to find new information on the Civil War.  It was very educational but not that stimulating (if that makes sense).

While the National Archives are interesting and have lots of cool historical documents this is not the most toddler/baby friendly stop in D.C. Unless you are a history buff or are kidless then I'd skip the Archives and head to the American History, Natural History, or Air and Space Museums as they are much more fun for little kids.

Tuesday's Travel Tips - To Stroll or Not To Stroll

When flying with a infant, baby, or toddler should you bring a stroller?  There are a few different answers to this question but for the most part and to always be safe than sorry I highly suggest bringing a stroller for any child under the age of two/two and a half.

I would always bring a stroller if:
-you are travelling without a significant other or help.  If you are alone bring a stroller.
-have more than one plane to catch, especially if there is a long lay over.

I may not bring a stroller if:
-your traveling with help and it's only one flight (bring a carrier for a little baby and something to occupy a toddler.

My first time flying alone with my son, I decided not to bring a stroller, just a carrier but it was much to stressful. Now that he's almost two and a half I'll still bring the stroller anytime I am flying alone with him and most of the time I'm with my husband.  A stroller does so much more than just hold the baby, it can also hold all your stuff (and you tend to have most stuff with kids) when your little ones are running around.

Tips for flying with a stroller:
-don't bring a complex, giant stroller: a small umbrella stroller or other light weight stroller is ideal (I'm a fan of the Combi strollers myself)
-check the car seat: unless you plan on using the car seat in the plane or you have a snap and go stroller, I'd leave (check it or rent one) the car seat, it's one less thing you have to worry about before and after you board the plane
-with 2 kids (not twins) bring a carrier for one child and a stroller for another.  This way you don't have to deal with a giant double stroller but the kids can take turns depending on need (big kid wants to stroll, use carrier for baby, big kid wants to walk then either use the stroller for stuff or the baby)

Second time time Tavish and I flew, I was smarter this time flying with a stroller.   Our Valco strollers a little big and complex to fold for in an airport, I got smarter over time.

Flying with my Combi Stroller (perfect airport stroller) - on the tram to the airport.